Manila

Top 3 places to see and top 3 things to do in Manila

  • By Susana M
  • Travel Destinations
  • 21.01.2016

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and a huge city at that. Manila has 16 districts and each of them has distinct attractions to see or experience. Let’s have a quick look at 6 of them. You should do your best to stop by if your trip to Manila is short.

Top 3 places to see
Intramuros
This is an old Spanish settlement filled with museums, ruins, and churches. The famous Manila Cathedral is here as well. This cathedral is actually the country’s most important church.

National Museum of the Philippines
This museum dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The collections on display are as diverse as you can think of: archaeology, botany, arts, zoology, and the list goes on. If you were to count the exhibited items, you’d only reach 125, the rest being stored away.

Mabini Shrine
This is the former home of Apolinario Mabini. Apolinario Mabini was a lawyer and he fought for the independence of Philippines. The house served as the first intellectual headquarters for the First Philippine Republic during the American Occupation.

Top 3 things to do
Shopping in Binondo
Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world. This was the city’s original center for business, wholesale commerce, and finance. There are many shops here just waiting to be discovered.

City Tour of Metro Manila Via LRT
The tour happens in a train circulating 15 feet above the streets. There are 3 lines, yellow, purple, and blue, each offering different routes around the city. For those concerned about their safety, especially women, the all female couch is ideal.

All Souls & Saints Day Celebration
If you happen to be in Manila when this celebration takes place, go to any cemetery in Metropolitan Manila and you will have an unique experience.